The Internet is the dominant communications medium of the 21st century, and as such its strategic importance cannot be understated. Across the globe, states have sought to extend and expand military and espionage actions to ensure protection of strategic domestic assets as well as to target desired foreign assets in furtherance of military objectives and national security goals. Through case study analysis and examination of relevant literature, including considering the definitional ambiguity of “cyberconflict”, this course will chart the history and evolution of the Internet as a theater of combat operations and a space of strategic military importance. Broader social and legal implications of the militarization of the Internet and the role of the role of non-state actors will also be considered

Learning outcomes:

Students will leave this course with an overview of the current state of cyberconflict, they will understand key debates and case studies, and will be able to articulate approaches states and non-state actors take towards cyberconflict as part of 21st century statecraft.